The climate of Dominical
Residing within the Costa Rican province of Puntarenas,
Dominical finds itself encompassed by a predominantly tropical rainforest climate, as per the Köppen Climate Classification. There are stark contrasts in several weather conditions throughout the year, creating a unique climate environment. The consistent, annual temperature fluctuations are small, acting as a stable backdrop to the more dramatic weather parameters.
Because of its tropical nature, Dominical experiences very high humidity levels, up to 90% during the peak rainy season between
May and
November. The dry season, between
February and
April, sees a slight drop in humidity, down to the mid 70s%. Rainfall is a constant companion in this region, although it varies enormously from 20mm (0.79") a month in February up to a staggering 479mm (18.86") in
October. The number of rainfall days corresponds with these climatic patterns, with 30 days of rain in October compared to just 11 days in February.
Being situated near the ocean, Dominical sees little variation in sea temperature, which remains comfortably warm between 28°C (82.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). The steady sea temperature also contributes to the high humidity levels. Unlike other parameters, sun exposure varies somewhat drastically, with levels of daylight staying near 12 hours throughout the year, while sunshine hours dip down to an average of 6.4 hours in October from a yearly high of 9.6 hours in February. The UV index remains moderate at 5-6 across the entire calendar year.
The best time to visit Dominical
The optimal time to visit
Dominical is undoubtedly
February through
April when humidity is moderately lower, precipitation is minimal, and sunshine hours are at their highest. With daily high temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F), and sea temperatures at a warm 28-29°C (-20.2°F), it offers a perfect environment for beachgoers, surfers, and sightseers alike. Also, increased visibility and a lower cloud cover% during this time make it an excellent period for clear views and exploring the surrounding nature.
The worst time to visit Dominical
Visitors may find it difficult navigating
Dominical from
May to
November, when the region receives the most rainfall. Humidity levels border on 90%, making the environment muggy and uncomfortable. While temperatures remain fairly consistent, the amount of daylight drastically reduces, with
October seeing the least amount of sunshine at 6.4 hours on average. Additionally, frequent rainfall creates challenges for outdoor activities and travel.
Spring weather in Dominical
Spring in
Dominical runs from
March to
May, with rainfall starting to increase from 31mm (1.22") in March to a substantial 441mm (17.36") in May. Daily high and low temperatures range from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 16.7°C (62.1°F) in March, dipping slightly to reach 23.4°C (74.1°F) and 17.4°C (63.3°F) in May. Although the amount of rainfall spikes, the sea keeps a warm temperature at 29°C (84.2°F). Therefore, despite the onset of the rainy season, spring can still be a pleasant time to visit.
Summer weather in Dominical
Running from
June to
August, summer in
Dominical is characterized by high humidity (up to 90%) and a sharp increase in the amount of rainfall, which peaks at 405mm (15.94") in June. Daily high temperature averages decline slightly to about 23°C (73.4°F), while nighttime lows remain near a warm 17°C (62.6°F). Despite the rain, daylight hours remain relatively constant, approximately 12.4-12.6 daylight hours with 6.9 to 7.4 sunshine hours.
Autumn weather in Dominical
Autumn typifies the peak of the wet season from
September to
November. Rainfall is intensely heavy, culminating in the year’s highest at 479mm (18.86") in
October. While daylight stays steady, over 50% of days are cloud-covered, reducing the sunshine duration to a mere 6.4-7.4 hours. Although the temperatures do not fluctuate significantly, high humidity, coupled with heavy rainfall, makes this period challenging for outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Dominical
Winter,
December through
February, sees more moderate climatic conditions. A notable decrease in rainfall to 65mm (2.56") in December and up to 20mm (0.79") in February paves the way for more agreeable weather. Alongside this, humidity drops to around 77-83%, and sunshine hours increase to 8.9-9.6.hours. Coupled with temperatures that hover around a high of 25°C (77°F) and lows of roughly 15°C (59°F), winter offers a refreshing, albeit slightly cooler break from the intense rainy season.
Weather in January
Starting the year,
January in
Dominical,
Costa Rica, features lower temperatures with the high around 25.1°C (77.2°F) and the low approximately 15.3°C (59.5°F). The month gets an average of 37mm (1.46") of precipitation and experiences humidity levels of around 77%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather during
February in
Dominical,
Costa Rica, remains comfortable, with a very slight rise in both high and low temperatures. Compared to
January, the rainfall reduces to about 20mm (0.79"), and the relative humidity is 75%, down two percentage points from last month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March records a subtle rise in temperatures, but it is the increase in rainfall, climbing to 31mm (1.22"), that marks the transition from the dry season. However, the humidity remains stable at 75% and the sea temperature at 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a turning point in
Dominical's weather pattern. The city witnesses considerable rainfall, leaping to 133mm (5.24"), making this the start of the wet season. Yet the temperatures remain warm, suggesting a tropical climate pattern.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Dominical sees a further increase in rainfall, reaching 441mm (17.36"), its peak so far for the year. While the temperatures start to gradually lower, the relative humidity soars up to 88%, indicating the thick of the rainy season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Dominical,
Costa Rica, experiences another high rainfall month, at 405mm (15.94"), but this doesn't stop life in this vibrant city. The temperature dips slightly and the relative humidity touches 90%, suggesting more wet days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Dominical's weather in
July sees a slight drop in rainfall, recording 342mm (13.46"). Dominical,
Costa Rica, can breath easier in July as the temperature takes a slight upward turn and the rainfall lessens. The humidity sticks around at 89% while the daylight hours decrease ever so slightly.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences a small increase in rainfall from the previous month, reaching up to 359mm (14.13"). The month continues the rainy season trend, but with a silver lining as temperatures tend to hover around the comfortable early twenties.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September presents more rainfall than
August with 341mm (13.43"), keeping in line with
Dominical,
Costa Rica's rainy season. While temperatures remain steady, the humidity reaches 90%, the highest level of the year. The months consistent rain showers breath life into the city's rich biodiversity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the year's highest rainfall in
Dominical,
Costa Rica, with heavier showers amounting to 479mm (18.86"). October comes in with its characteristic increase in rainfall, making it a less popular time for tourists, but a favorite for the local flora.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a desired change to weather in
Dominical,
Costa Rica: a significant drop in rainfall to 189mm (7.44"), thus marking a transition towards the dry season. The reduction in rainfall results in clearer skies and relief from the prolonged monsoons of the previous months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year in
Dominical,
Costa Rica, temperatures remain in the 15 to 23°C (73.4°F) range and the rainfall drops to 65mm (2.56"), the lowest for the year. The skies become clearer as rainfall reduces, and the relative humidity drops to 83%.
Weather in December » [Resources]